We are developing the diplomats and business leaders of the future – fluent and confident in a foreign tongue.

What is Spanish?

The definition of Spanish according to the dictionary is:  

adjective

of or relating to Spain, its people, or their language.

noun

the Spanish people collectively. 

A Romance language, the language of Spain, standard also in most of Latin America except Brazil.  The teaching of the Spanish language, its people and costumes.

Why is this subject important? 

As a Modern Foreign Languages department, we wish to pass on our love for other countries and their language and culture. We wish to instil a sense of curiosity in the world through looking at Spanish speaking countries. In an   ever changing world we also believe it’s important for students to develop an outward looking attitude and think of the benefits of learning foreign languages. We start developing key skills for GCSE from Year 7 onwards. We look at the differences and similarities between languages and cultures, we develop translation skills by looking at cognates and by looking at differences in word order and by realising the importance of committing to a regular programme of vocabulary learning. We use grammar terminology which will be familiar to students from Year 6 onwards and        believe that by teaching a foreign language we are also helping to develop their English literacy skills too.  

What is the purpose of the subject? 

We aim to create the very best Linguists.  We challenge students to think, act and speak like those working in the field would.  We do this by equipping all our students with the knowledge and skills to thrive and succeed in language learning; encouraging and inspiring them with quality first teaching, broadening their awareness of other countries and communities and providing opportunities for participation in a broad range of linguistic and cultural educational experiences

As a knowledge engaged curriculum we believe that knowledge underpins and enables the application of skills; both are entwined. As a department we define the powerful knowledge our students need and help them recall it by having a carefully planned progression through our curriculum with content and skills clearly defined in our schemes of work which revisit and build on existing knowledge.  We are very clear from the outset that we teach grammatical structures, syntax and vocabulary; using the correct terminology and making explicit links to English and other foreign languages’ grammatical structures and vocabulary.

The Spanish assistant provides intense language sessions. This unique opportunity allows pupils to practise their Spanish with a native speaker in small groups.